Coming into the 2017 season, the 6’1″- 215 lb. switch-hitting Gushue carried a .231 batting average with 18 total home runs and 114 RBi’s in 243 career games. However, what’s the old adage that a change of scenery can do good things? Such is the case for Gushue, whom the Nationals acquired back in late September for Rochester native, currently (MLB) promoted and former UTR OAS, Chris Bostick. Gushue has been a totally different player with the Nationals, leading the Carolina League in home runs and slugging percentage (.720 – which is nearly double his career mark) and ranking within the league’s top five in RBi’s (28), OPS (1.092) and total bases (59).